Word
bloodshed
Phoneticsblood·shed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫədˌʃɛd/
UK/blˈʌdʃɛd/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the killing or wounding of people, especially during a war or a violent fight.
n. the shedding of blood; the killing or injuring of people, typically on a large scale during conflict.
Examples
“The two leaders signed a peace treaty to end the bloodshed.”
“After years of civil war, the citizens were desperate for any political solution that would stop the daily bloodshed.”
“Historians often debate whether the revolution could have achieved its democratic aims without the extreme bloodshed that eventually alienated its international allies.”
Examples
simple
“The two leaders signed a peace treaty to end the bloodshed.”
contextual
“After years of civil war, the citizens were desperate for any political solution that would stop the daily bloodshed.”
complex
“Historians often debate whether the revolution could have achieved its democratic aims without the extreme bloodshed that eventually alienated its international allies.”
Usage
Typically used in political or historical contexts to describe the human cost of violence.
Real-World Examples
“Eloise Barrett, a 17-year-old sixth former from Birmingham, won for Bloodshed in Rafah, a “heartwrenching” story about the reality of a childhood affected by war.” “The discovery suggests Harold’s downfall in 1066 was shaped by intrigue in Rome as well as bloodshed at Hastings.” Etymology
From attested early forms of such phrases as "there was much blood shed"; equivalent to blood + shed, past participle of shed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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